Activism has always been about people who refuse to stay silent. Today, those voices are amplified in a new way, through creators who use their platforms not just to entertain, but to spark movements, shift perspectives, and keep conversations alive when the headlines fade.
For organizations, this is where the future of impact lies. Audiences look for leaders and brands who stand alongside those already doing the work. Creators have become the cultural translators of activism who tackle complex issues and turn them into stories people can connect with, share, and act on.
The following 12 activist creators are leading that charge. Each one brings a different focus, from sustainability to women’s rights to trans liberation, animal rights, and more, but all of them with the same mission: to use their influence for something bigger than themselves.
Raquel Willis
Focus: Black Trans Activist
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 202K
Raquel Willis is a Black transgender activist, writer, and thought leader using her platform to advocate for equality within the queer community. With 202K followers on Instagram, she amplifies the voices of Black trans women and champions their rights, bodies, and futures through the Gender Liberation Movement. In 2023, she released her memoir The Risk It Takes to Bloom, a powerful and deeply personal story of transformation, resilience, and her fight for collective liberation.
Katie Sturino
Focus: Body Acceptance Advocate
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 804K
Katie Sturino is a body acceptance advocate, entrepreneur, and content creator who has built a powerful community of over 804K followers on Instagram. Through her platform, she challenges beauty standards, addresses common body insecurities, and encourages people to embrace self-confidence and acceptance. Katie is also the founder of Megababe, a body care brand that promotes comfort and confidence for all body types.
She was also recognized at the 10th Annual Shorty Awards, where she won in the Lifestyle category for her impact in redefining beauty and body acceptance.
Amber Rose Tamblyn
Focus: Women’s Rights & Storytelling
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 349K
Amber Tamblyn is an actress, author, and activist who uses her platform to champion women’s rights and equality. With 349K followers on Instagram, she shares work as a storyteller and cultural critic, publishing essays in The New York Times and Harper’s Bazaar. Tamblyn is also the author of several books and a co-founder of Time’s Up, making her a leading voice in both Hollywood and activism.
Her work in activism has also been celebrated at the 10th Annual Shorty Awards, where she was nominated in the Activism category.
Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Focus: Social Justice & Leadership
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 510K
Luvvie Ajayi Jones is a 4X New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and cultural thought leader. With 510K followers on Instagram, she uses humor and sharp insights to challenge injustice and inspire bold leadership. Luvvie also mentors aspiring writers and entrepreneurs through her platform, helping people embrace authenticity and courage in their work and lives.
At the 15th Annual Shorty Awards, her project “Rising Troublemaker: A Fear-Fighter Manual for Teens” was highlighted in Campaign by Diverse-Owned Businesses category.
Jamira Burley
Focus: Human Rights & Youth Empowerment
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 196K
Jamira Burley is an international activist, strategist, and speaker dedicated to reimagining systems of power. With 196K Instagram followers, she shares insights from two decades of work across 40+ countries, advancing equity, education, and community empowerment. Currently Head of Community and Strategic Partnerships at a national nonprofit, she also co-hosts The Otherside of Change podcast. Named a Forbes Under 30 Honoree and an Obama White House Champion of Change, Burley continues to use her platform to drive global change.
Aidan Kohn-Murphy
Focus: Gen Z Advocacy & Progressive Change
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 10K
Aidan Kohn-Murphy is the founder of Gen-Z for Change, a coalition of 450+ creators leveraging social media to drive political and cultural change. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, he uses Instagram and other platforms to mobilize millions on issues like climate justice, reproductive rights, and equity. Through digital organizing and grassroots action, Aidan amplifies the voice of a generation determined to reshape the future.
Joey Carbstrong
Focus: Animal Rights
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 206K
Joey Carbstrong is an animal rights activist, filmmaker, and investigator who uses his platform to expose cruelty and advocate for veganism. With 206K Instagram followers, he shares bold, unflinching content that challenges audiences to confront the realities of animal agriculture. His film Pignorant explores the hidden truths behind animal exploitation and is available worldwide.
Ed Winters
Focus: Veganism & Ethical Living
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 583K
Ed Winters, also known as “Earthling Ed,” is an educator, author, and activist making the case for veganism to his 583K Instagram followers. Through books, The Disclosure Podcast, and viral content, he challenges cultural norms around food and ethics. Ed’s work focuses on making sustainable, cruelty-free living accessible while inspiring systemic change.
Nadia Mura
Focus: Human Rights & Survivors of Sexual Violence
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 446K
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad is a leading advocate for survivors of genocide and sexual violence. With 446K followers on Instagram, she shares her story as a Yazidi survivor of ISIS captivity and her fight for justice. She is the founder of Nadia’s Initiative, which rebuilds communities in crisis and campaigns globally to end sexual violence in conflict. Her bestselling memoir The Last Girl has become a vital testimony of resilience and advocacy.
Lauren Singer
Focus: Zero Waste & Sustainability
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 307K
Lauren Singer is an environmental activist, entrepreneur, and advocate for zero-waste living. With 307K followers on Instagram, she inspires audiences to reduce waste through her blog Trash is for Tossers and her eco-friendly product company, The Simply Co. Known for fitting years of personal trash into a single mason jar, Lauren has become a global voice for sustainable, everyday action.
Jacob Simon
Focus: Climate Action & Environmental Storytelling
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 439K
Jacob Simon is an environmental communicator based in Brooklyn who transforms climate anxiety into hope and action. As founder of Climativity, Jacob amplifies the stories of those tackling climate issues and highlights practical ways individuals can make a difference. His followers engage with his mission to move beyond the "doom and gloom" narrative of climate change and toward a future built on solutions, resilience, and collective action.
He is also a 2024 Elevate Creatives Fund recipient, recognized for his innovative approach to storytelling and commitment to using creativity as a force for positive impact.
Shira Lazar
Focus: Mental Health
Platform: Instagram
Followers: 229K
Shira Lazar is an Emmy-nominated host, entrepreneur, and activist who has made mental health advocacy a cornerstone of her work. With 229K Instagram followers, she uses her platform to normalize conversations around mental wellness and self-care. She is the host of The AI Download podcast, founder of What’s Trending, and co-founder of Creators for Mental Health (#CreatorCare), an initiative dedicated to supporting creators and their communities.
The Bigger Picture
These creators go beyond likes and followers; they’re using their platforms to push change. For organizations, working with them isn’t about jumping on trends. It’s about partnering with people already shaping the world and helping their voices reach even further.
If there’s a creator you think deserves recognition for driving impact, send us their story at [email protected].
